Skip to main content

Worldwide, mobile overtakes desktop Internet usage for the first time, says StatCounter

While the day has been coming for a long time, last month was the first time that mobile overtook desktop in total worldwide Internet usage, says analytics company StatCounter.

Smartphones and tablets accounted for 51.3% of all Internet usage, with desktop at 48.7%.

There’s considerable variation between countries, with mobile usage exceeding 75% in emerging markets like India, where smartphones are a popular all-in-one device even for those on lower incomes. In established markets like the US, where computer ownership is far higher, desktop still sits at 58%.

Even in developed markets, though, it’s only a matter of time before mobile takes the lead. Earlier this month, Google announced that it was creating a separate mobile search index, and that it would take precedence over the desktop version.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications